Nelle Lee Contemporary Dance Artist

Artist Statement

Photo by Laura Coons

So often dancers are seen and not heard creating a disconnect between artist and audience. I embrace the challenge to connect my work with the audience on and off stage and this act of communication guides and informs my personal practice as a choreographer. Exploring the possibilities of the human body through dynamics, musicality, and structure I choreograph dance to captivate and invite diverse audiences. 

Inspired by and centred around a strong and deliberate relationship with music, I focus on the tension-resolution dynamic between interpersonal relationships and between individuals and music. This contrast inspires and drives the pursuit of athleticism and virtuosity in my work. A big picture person, I think about dance and choreography’s capacity to confront issues and tell stories through physicality and emotion. As I conceptualize a work and the interdisciplinary pieces come together, I trust and value the talent, expertise and experience others bring to the project and rely on this collaboration and teamwork to create a cohesive piece. Much in the way diversity and inclusion enhance our neighbourhoods I believe a diverse interdisciplinary team has the opportunity to enrich the creation and presentation of the work for all.  

Photo by Anthony Lee

Outreach and teamwork will be key factors in developing a sustainable community and partnership with viewers and artists. To initiate and develop an ongoing dialogue, my future projects will involve inclusive dance classes, educational workshops, and transparency throughout the creation process. As my career evolves, I will develop a culture and community of curiosity, openness, inclusivity, and accessibility allowing artists to flourish and patrons to share in equal joy, meaning and satisfaction from these experiences.

Biography

Photo by Laura Zeke

Currently pursuing her Bachelor of Fine Arts at Simon Fraser University, Nelle Lee was born in Vancouver, British Columbia. She received her ballet training from Canada’s National Ballet School where she learned the importance of matching passion with rigour and ambition with sacrifice. Since graduating she has pursued contemporary training at Arts Umbrella in their graduate program and at the Ailey School in their scholarship program. Inspired by her work-study in the Arts in Education department at Ailey she learned the value and enjoyment of community outreach which continues to influence her artistic practice and process. Debuting her first choreography in 2011 she continues to create and perform in her own work, traveling around North America and Europe to enrich her dance education and creative practice. Nelle has recently begun her professional performance career dancing in Nómadas by choreographer Henry Daniel. Thoughtful and meticulous Nelle’s love and respect for ballet, contemporary and community outreach inspires and drives her interest in creative, hands-on collaborations which push convention and respect tradition.